Do people still live at Slab City?
The “snowbirds” stay only for the winter before migrating north in spring, to cooler climates. Despite the high temperatures, there are about 150 permanent residents of Slab City.
How do people in Slab City survive?
Slab City lacks running water, electricity, and sanitation services. Those who can afford to install generators or solar panels. People get by on very little here — most are on government assistance and subsist on a sort of barter system.
How Lawless is Slab City?
Slab City is a lawless place in terms of government laws. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its own laws. You can live freely here and you can be whoever you want, but you also have to follow the rules. There is a leader and a core community of long term Slabbers that call the shots.
Why do they call it Slab City?
Slab City gets its name from the numerous concrete foundations that dot the land, the only reminder of Camp Dunlap, a World War II Marine artillery training base. The state is somewhat of an absentee landlord on this 600-acre patch. Population estimates are anywhere from several hundred to a few thousand people.
How do people in Slab City get money?
Residents with working vehicles can make money transporting water, goods, or people. Other Slabbers set up stands to sell merchandise like artwork and tie-dyed Slab City souvenir t-shirts to tourists and visitors.
Is it free to live in Slab City?
While Slab City has package delivery and there is no charge to live here, there is no running water, sewage, plumbing or electricity, unless you are creative and savvy enough to create your own, which some have done.
What can you not do in Slab City?
What Not to Do
- Do NOT drive off into the desert. Desert roads can very rapidly become sand traps and getting trapped in a remote part of the desert is very dangerous.
- Despite the amount of trash in Slab City do NOT leave your own trash behind. You are a visitor and you should be respectful.
- Do not come empty-handed.
Do police go to Slab City?
While it gets described as the “last free place in America,” and a lawless land, that’s not entirely accurate. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Department and the Niland Fire Department provide services to Slab City, while they receive nothing in return such as taxes.